YouTube HDR Slowly Rolling Out to Compatible Devices

Several current Android phones are starting to see the long awaited YouTube HDR content come to them. YouTube rolled out HDR content at the end of 2016 but to this point, virtually no devices were able to render it. That has changed throughout the course of 2017 and now several reports indicate that multiple devices are seeing an HDR option on video playback.

For those who don’t know, HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Images and video shot in HDR have more contrast, a wider color palette and greater brightness levels.

As for devices that are now reportedly able to show HDR content, it is growing rapidly.

As of the time of this post, the following devices are now showing YouTube HDR content:

Google Pixel & Pixel XL

LG V30

Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus

Samsung Note 8

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

If you have one of these devices, you will know that the HDR update has come to you when you check available resolutions. You will see a “HDR” tag next to the video resolution.

The key here is patience. This update is rolling out slowly to devices so it could take time before you see it. In my case, on my Pixel XL, I still do not see it.